v2.4.0.6

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2011
Distributions Made to Limited Partners and General Partner [Line Items] |  |
General partner interest | $ 1,782 | $ 1,592
General partner incentive distribution | 9,816 | 8,568
Total general partner distribution | 11,598 | 10,160
Limited partners' distribution | 77,478 | 69,456
Total cash distributions | $ 89,076 | $ 79,616
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners | $ 1.095 | $ 1.075

X
- Definition Distribution amount per limited partnership unit outstanding earned during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_DistributionPerLimitedPartnershipUnitOutstanding
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | us-types:perUnitItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
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Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Distributions to the general partner earned during the period comprised of those allocated to its general partner ownership interest and incentive distribution rights. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_GeneralPartnerDistributionsIncludingIncentiveDistributions
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition General partner incentive distribution amount earned during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_GeneralPartnerIncentiveDistribution
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Distribution amount earned during the period allocated to the general partner interest. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_GeneralPartnerInterestDistribution
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Distribution amount earned during the period allocated to the limited partners. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_LimitedPartnerDistribution
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total amount of distributions earned during the period for each class of partners. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_TotalCashDistributions
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration